SYSTEM DESIGN
1910.29(b)(1)
The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107
cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking working surface. The top edge height
may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of
paragraph (b) of this section.
1910.29(b)(2)(i)
Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and
the walking working surface;
1910.29(b)(3)
Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200
pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top
edge, at any point along the top rail.
1910.29(b)(4)
When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of
the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the
walking-working surface.
1910.29(b)(5)
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent
intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150
pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate
member.
1910.29(b)(6)
Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures
or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing.
1910.29(b)(7)
The ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts, except where the
overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees.
1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)
The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42
inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail.
1910.29(f)(2)
Finger clearance. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25
inches (5.7 cm).
1910.29(f)(3)
Surfaces. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from
injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing.
1910.29(f)(4)
Openings in stair rails. No opening in a stair rail system exceeds 19 inches (48 cm) at its
least dimension.
1910.29(f)(6)
Projection hazards. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection
hazards.
1910.29(f)(7)
Strength criteria. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding,
without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward
direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail.
1910.29(g)(4)
Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30
inches (61 cm by 76 cm).
1910.29(k)(1)
The employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection:
1910.29(k)(1)(i)
Are erected along the exposed edge of the overhead walking-working surface for a length
that is sufficient to protect employees below.
1910.29(k)(1)(ii)
Have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the
toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface.
1910.29(k)(1)(iii)
Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working
surface.
1910.25(b)(3)
Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings;
1910.25(b)(4)
Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76
cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel;
1910.25(b)(6)
Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than
a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point;
1910.25(c)
Standard stairs. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure
standard stairs:
1910.25(c)(1)
Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal;
1910.25(c)(2)
Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm);=
1910.25(c)(3)
Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and
1910.25(c)(4)
Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers (see Figure D-8 of this
section).
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